Oklahoma’s story is woven from rich Native American heritage, and that story continues on the fairways. Along the Oklahoma Golf Trail, several premier courses are tribally owned or tribally affiliated. They offer golfers more than just a scenic round—they offer a connection to history, culture, and community.
Whether you’re chasing birdies or soaking in the landscape, these courses bring depth to your game. Here’s a look at two Trail stops where tribal nations have helped shape the game in Oklahoma.
Cherokee Hills Golf Course – Catoosa
A Classic Design on Cherokee Nation Land
Originally designed by Perry Maxwell in 1924, Cherokee Hills Golf Course sits on land owned by the Cherokee Nation and is part of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa complex. It’s a course with legacy, from the routing to the roots.
The course has withstood time and tornadoes and was enhanced by a Tripp Davis redesign that added four new holes and embellished the Maxwell flair. The front nine is one of the most challenging in the state while the back nine gives golfers a chance to recover and head to the casino in good spirits.
After your round, explore the annual Cherokee Art Gallery inside the Hard Rock Hotel, visit nearby cultural landmarks, or take in a show at The Joint, the on-site entertainment venue featuring national acts and Native performers.
Cultural Connection: The course and resort regularly spotlight Cherokee heritage through curated artwork, language signage, and tribal cuisine.
Peoria Ridge Golf Course – Miami
Championship Golf with Tribal Heart
Located in the far northeastern corner of the state, Peoria Ridge Golf Course is proudly owned and operated by the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. This 18-hole public course is beautifully maintained, affordable, and welcoming to all levels of players.
Peoria Ridge offers wide fairways and open sightlines, but don’t let the layout fool you. It’s hosted NCAA tournaments and professional events, including stops on the Adams Pro Tour. Strategic water hazards and subtle elevation changes make each hole a fresh challenge.
The course is adjacent to Buffalo Run Casino & Resort, also Peoria-owned, making it an easy stay-and-play option for weekend warriors. The property frequently features Native arts events, live entertainment, and tribally inspired cuisine at The Coal Creek Restaurant.
Cultural Connection: The Peoria Tribe’s presence is felt in the course’s name, branding, and community investment—from junior golf programs to tribal celebrations hosted on-site.
More Than a Round
What makes these courses special isn’t just the layout, the lakes, or the turf. It’s the story behind the scorecard. Native American-owned golf courses on the Oklahoma Golf Trail blend recreation with reverence. They connect players to the land, the people, and the traditions that have shaped Oklahoma long before the first tee box was ever built.
So next time you pack your clubs and head out on the Oklahoma Golf Trail, remember that some rounds offer more than great views. They offer a deeper meaning. And that’s a round worth playing.
